Make-up type case comprising an articulated lid

ABSTRACT

This application relates to a case ( 1 ) comprising a bottom ( 2 ) and a lid ( 4 ) capable, at least prior to first use, of pivoting with respect to the bottom so as to be positioned underneath the latter, the bottom ( 2 ) being hinged about a first axis (A 1 ) with respect to an intermediate element ( 20 ), the latter being hinged with respect to the lid ( 4 ) about a second axis (A 2 ), locking means (B 1 , B 2 , C) being capable of locking the lid ( 4 ) with respect to the intermediate element ( 20 ) when the latter pivots with respect to the bottom ( 2 ) about the axis (A 1 ), and of locking the bottom ( 2 ) with respect to the intermediate element ( 20 ) when the latter pivots with respect to the lid ( 4 ) about the axis (A 2 ).  
     Figure of the drawing to be published with the abstract: FIG.  3 A

[0001] The present invention relates to a case, particularly of themakeup case type, which can be closed by a hinged lid. Such a makeupcase generally comprises two parts, a bottom and a lid, hinged one onthe other, by means of at least one hinge. In general, this case isintended to contain one or more friable products of pasty, liquid orpulverulant consistency, such as an eyeshadow, a rouge, a blusher or afoundation. Customarily, cases are marketed with the product it containsoffered in a broad range of different shades.

[0002] Hence, the consumer, in order to be able to choose makeup of thedesired shade, is frequently obliged to take the case out of itspackaging and open it to check the colour of the product.

[0003] With a view to seeing, at the point of sale, the shade of amakeup product, immediately, document U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,820 proposes amakeup case, the structure of which allows the lid to be pivoted through360° with respect to the bottom so as to place the lid underneath thebottom of the case. In this position, the case can be packaged intransparent packaging, of the blister pack kind, or of the heat shrinkfilm kind. Hence, the case can be displayed in boutiques or shops andoccupy the minimum amount of space.

[0004] In the aforementioned document, the connection between the bottomand the lid is by a multiple hinge structure. Specifically, the bottomof the case according to document U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,820 is hinged toan intermediate element by means of a hinge with an attached hinge pin,the lid for its part being hinged to this intermediate element by a filmhinge. At the time of first closure of the case by the user, theintermediate element is immobilized with respect to the lid, so that thefilm hinge is inoperative during opening/closing operations performedduring the remainder of the time that the case is in use.

[0005] The structure of the case according to document U.S. Pat. No.5,568,820 has a certain number of disadvantages. Specifically, when thelid is connected to the intermediate element by a film hinge, the lidhas a tendency to move elastically away from its position of maximumopening under the bottom of the case and to return to the position inwhich the lid and the intermediate element were moulded. As a result,the lid is not satisfactorily positioned under the bottom.

[0006] In actual fact, the foregoing occurs frequently, because of theelastic properties of the material used to produce the parts which arejoined together by a film hinge. One material that allows such astructure with a film hinge to be produced is polypropylene. Now, a casemade of such a material can only with difficulty exhibit an appearanceconsistent with what users are expecting of a luxury product.Furthermore, polypropylene is not able to support certain decorations orfinishes, such as lacquering, either.

[0007] Documents U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,978 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,159describe cases of the same kind in which the connection between thebottom and the lid is via an intermediate element and a multiple hingestructure. There is no means provided for locking the lid with respectto the intermediate element when the lafter pivots with respect to thebottom.

[0008] Hence, one of the objects of the present invention is to producea case of the abovementioned type, made in two parts hinged on oneanother, and which completely or partially solves the problems mentionedhereinabove with reference to the case discussed earlier.

[0009] One particular object of the present invention is to produce amakeup case which is hinged by means of a system of articulation thatallows the product that it contains to be presented with the lid in aposition of maximum opening to 360° with respect to the bottom. Morespecifically, the subject of the invention is a case which allows thelid to be positioned reliably and stably in the 360°-open position withrespect to the bottom. In addition, the invention is aimed at a casewhich has reliable and durable operation over time. What is more, theinvention is aimed at a makeup case which is of satisfactory aestheticappearance, economical to produce and simple to use.

[0010] Other objects still will become apparent from the detaileddescription which follows.

[0011] According to the invention, these objects are achieved byproducing a case, in particular a makeup case, comprising a bottom and alid capable, at least prior to first use, of pivoting with respect tothe bottom so as to be positioned underneath the latter, the bottombeing hinged about a first axis Al with respect to an intermediateelement, the latter being hinged with respect to the lid about a secondaxis A₂, locking means being capable of locking the lid with respect tothe intermediate element when the latter pivots with respect to thebottom about the axis A₁, and of locking the bottom with respect to theintermediate element when the latter pivots with respect to the lidabout the axis A₂.

[0012] Because of the ability of the lid to pivot through 360° withrespect to the bottom, the case can be displayed in the wide-openposition so that its contents are visible immediately to the user. Thus,in this wide-open position, the case can be packaged in a transparentblister and/or displayed at sales outlets. The method of packaging in ablister, folded back at 360°, has the advantage of being able tominimize the area in which the case is stored.

[0013] As a preference, the locking means are carried, at least in part,by the intermediate element. The locking means are capable of engagingselectively with complementary first catching means carried by thebottom and with second catching means carried by the lid. Thus, in theposition in which the lid is positioned at 360° with respect to thebottom, folding the lid down onto the bottom into the closed position iscarried out by partial pivoting of the lid about the second axis, thenby partial pivoting about the first axis. The locking means, asappropriate, make it possible to render the first axis inoperative whenthe pivoting movement is about the second axis, and vice-versa.

[0014] According to a beneficial aspect of the invention, theintermediate element has two longitudinal edges. These two edges arepreferably parallel to one another, the first axis of articulation beingsituated near a first edge of the intermediate element. In consequence,the second axis is located near a second edge, opposite the first.

[0015] According to one advantageous embodiment, the case consists of abottom and of a lid, formed as distinct parts, at least one of the axesbeing formed by a hinge with an attached hinge pin. This has theadvantage that the bottom and the lid can be made of two differentmaterials. As a preference, the bottom and the intermediate element aremoulded as one from an economically viable material appropriate to theproducing of a film hinge, such as polypropylene or some otherappropriate polyolefin. As far as the lid is concerned, this isconnected, in this case, to the intermediate element, by a hinge with anattached hinge pin. The lid which constitutes the most visible part ofthe case, may be made of a material other than polypropylene andallowing particular decoration of lacquering to be performed, forexample. By way of nonlimiting examples of materials that can be used tomake the lid, mention will be made of acrylobutadienestyrene (ABS),polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyoxymethylene (POM) orpolystyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN).

[0016] According to one particular embodiment, the locking means maycomprise at least one member, such as a pip, located on at least oneportion of the intermediate element, for example on at least one of thelateral sides of the intermediate element. This locking member iscapable of being engaged selectively in a complementary member, forexample a corresponding housing, made in a portion of the bottom or in aportion of the lid, respectively. Alternatively, the reverse structuremay be envisaged. Thus, a first pip may be located on a portion of thebottom, a second pip being provided on a portion of the lid. In thiscase, the intermediate element has a housing capable, selectively, ofreceiving the first or the second pip.

[0017] Advantageously, the locking of the bottom with respect to theintermediate element is irreversible. In this case, the intermediateelement is immobilized with respect to the bottom and the first axisbecomes inoperative. Only the pivoting of the lid on the intermediatepiece, about the second axis, is possible, this being over an angularportion which is restricted by comparison with the wide-open angle.

[0018] The case at which the invention is aimed is preferably producedin a more or less flat shape and defines a receptacle, delimiting atleast one compartment capable of containing a product, particularly afriable product such as a makeup product. Advantageously, the receptacleis shaped to also contain a member for applying the product. Inaddition, the lid may, on its inside, be equipped with a mirror,allowing the user to look at herself while applying makeup.

[0019] As appropriate, the case comprises means capable of allowing thelid to be locked reversibly in the closed position on the bottom. Apartfrom the provisions set out hereinabove the invention consists in acertain number of other provisions which will be explained hereinafterwith regard to some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments which aredescribed with reference to the appended figures, among which:

[0020]FIG. 1a depicts a perspective view of a case of the makeup casetype according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 1b depicts a view in cross section of the case of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIGS. 2a and 2 b illustrate the case of FIG. 1 in the 360°-openposition;

[0023]FIGS. 3a and 3 b respectively depict a view in cross section and aview in perspective of the case of FIG. 1, in a first portion of themovement of the lid from its wide-open position:

[0024]FIGS. 4a and 4 b respectively depict a view in cross section and aview in perspective of the case of FIG. 1 in a second portion of themovement of the lid from its wide-open position;

[0025]FIGS. 5a and 5 b respectively depict a view in cross section and aview in perspective of the case of FIG. 1, in the closed position;

[0026]FIGS. 6 and 7 each show a detailed perspective view of the case ofFIG. 1; and

[0027]FIGS. 8a and 8 b each show a partial perspective view of a caseaccording to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Referring in particular to FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 2 a and 2 b, a makeupcase according to a first embodiment of the invention is denoted by thereference 1. It is of roughly flat shape, as used in particular forpackaging makeup products, such as foundations, eyeshadows, blushers orother products of the same type.

[0029]FIGS. 1a and 1 b show the case in the position of use. In thisposition, the lid 4 is open to about 120° with respect to the bottom 2,allowing the user to pick up a dose of product P.

[0030] The case 1 is formed mainly from a bottom 2 and from a lid 4,mounted pivoting on the bottom, both obtained by moulding of one or morethermoplastic materials. The bottom 2 forms one or more compartmentsforming receptacles 2 a for one or more products P, particularly makeupproducts. As appropriate, one of the components may be used to house anapplicator allowing the product to be picked up and applied to thedesired point (not depicted).

[0031] The lid 4 has a depression 9 extending over a substantial part ofits surface, to accommodate a mirror 4 a. A clasp 4 b carried by the lid4 is capable of engaging with a corresponding member 2 b carried by thebottom 2 so as to reversibly lock the lid 4 on the bottom 2. Near thislocking member 2 b the bottom 2 forms a cutout 3 so as to make it easierto open the case 1.

[0032] The lid 4 is connected to the bottom 2 by means of anintermediate element 20, of elongate shape, and having two longitudinaledges 21, 22. It is laterally delimited by two flanks 20 a, 20 b (FIG.3b). As visible in particular in FIGS. 2a and 2 b, the intermediateelement 20 is connected to the bottom by a first hinge 23 of the hingewith attached hinge pin type, forming a first axis of articulation A₁.This hinge is located on the edge 21 of the intermediate element. Formedon the edge 22 is a second hinge 24 of the same type, forming a secondaxis of articulation A₂. This second hinge 24 connects the intermediateelement 2 to the lid 4. Thus, the hinging of the lid via theintermediate element to the bottom is provided by a double hingestructure, the axes of which are parallel.

[0033] At one end, the opposite end to the end carrying the clasp 2 b,the bottom forms a cutout 5 (FIGS. 2b and 6) in which the intermediateelement 20 is placed. Likewise, a similar cutout 7 is provided at oneend of the lid (see FIGS. 3a and 7) and is capable of housing theintermediate element 20 in the display position corresponding to thewide-open position (FIGS. 2a and 2 b).

[0034] To keep the lid in the position depicted in FIGS. 2a and 2 b withrespect to the bottom of the case, locking means C are provided. Asillustrated in particular in FIG. 3b, the intermediate element 20comprises two pips C, located on its lateral flanks 20 a and 20 b. Thesepips C are capable of collaborating with recesses B₁ made in lateralwalls 7 a, 7 b of the lid 4. The catching recesses B₁ are capable,reversibly, of accommodating the pips C, in which they are held byfriction. Similarly, the cutout 5 in the bottom 2 comprises two catchingmeans B₂, located on the lateral walls 5 a, 5 b of the cutout 5. Thecatching means B₂ are configured to accommodate the pips C, particularlyirreversibly, at the time the case is first closed, as will be detailedlater on.

[0035] Configuring the case in the wide-open position as illustrated inFIGS. 2a and 2 b makes it possible to position the lid under the bottom,so that the top side 41 of the lid 4 faces the underside 25 of thebottom 2. In this position, the case 1 is in the display position, opento an angle of 360°, with respect to the position of the case whenclosed.

[0036] In the display position illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2 b, the casecan be displayed at sales outlets, in such a way to make the productpackaged in the compartment 2 a visible. This position also allows thecase to be packaged in a transparent blister. This has the advantagethat the product is protected, while at the same time allowing theconsumer to choose the desired shade of product without being forced toopen the case. The case thus packaged occupies a minimum amount ofspace.

[0037] When the case is packaged in a blister, once the case has beenunwrapped, it is therefore in the wide-open position open at 360° (FIGS.2a and 2 b). In order to be able to use the case, the user pivots thelid with respect to the bottom (in the direction of the arrow cc markedin FIG. 2a).

[0038] While the lid 4 is being pivoted from the display positionillustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2 b, it passes, in succession, through thepositions shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b then 4 a and 4 b to the closedposition illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5 b. During the pivoting throughabout 300°, the pips C disengage from the catching recesses B₁. At thesame time, the intermediate element 20 pivots out of the cutout 7 of thelid. During this pivoting movement, the intermediate element 20 movescloser to the cutout 5 in the bottom.

[0039] As shown in greater detail in FIG. 6, the pips C disengage fromthe catching recesses B₁ of the lid and move closer to the catchingrecesses B₂ in the bottom (FIG. 7). The pips C then engage in thecatching recesses B₂. Advantageously, this engaging takes placeirreversibly. Thus, the first axis A₁ becomes inoperative, for good.

[0040] In order to open and close the case, with a view to using it formakeup, the user performs a pivoting movement only about the axis A₂,through an angle α₂ (FIG. 1a).

[0041]FIGS. 5a and 5 b depict the case in the closed position, allowingthe product P to be kept sheltered from the outside, or alternativelyallowing the case to be carried about in a handbag.

[0042]FIGS. 8a and 8 b illustrate another embodiment, whereby a case 101consists essentially of two elements 102, 104. By comparison with thefirst embodiment, parts which are identical or perform a similarfunction, carry the reference numerals of the first embodiment,increased by 100.

[0043] By comparison with the first embodiment, the case 101 differs inthat the bottom 102 is moulded as one with the intermediate element 120,from an appropriate material. Its configuration and its operation aresimilar to the case 1 and these will be described again only briefly.

[0044] The intermediate element 120 is connected to the bottom 102 by afilm hinge 123 forming a first axis of articulation A₁. This film hingebecomes inoperative after the first time the case is closed, asdescribed previously with respect to the case 1 in the first embodiment.The hinge 124 is of the same type as the one described earlier andtherefore requires no more detailed description.

[0045] The structure of the case 101 has the advantage that it ispossible, for producing the bottom and the intermediate element, tochoose a first economically advantageous material, for examplepolypropylene. This material allows the production of the film hinge123. Because this film hinge 123 is located on the bottom 102 of thecase, possible whitening of the hinge is not very visible.

[0046] As for the lid, advantageously a second plastic material ischosen, this one being capable of receiving special decoration orlacquering. This is 20 important, because the lid is the most visibleand valuable part of a makeup case. The second material is chosen, forexample, from urea formaldehyde, acrylobutadiene-styrene (ABS),polystyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylic glassesand polystyrene, etc.

[0047] In the foregoing detailed description, reference was made to somepreferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously, variations can bemade thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention asclaimed hereinafter.

1. Case (1, 101) comprising a bottom (2, 102) and a lid (4, 104)capable, at least prior to first use, of pivoting with respect to thebottom so as to be positioned underneath the latter, said bottom (2,102) being hinged about a first axis (A₁) with respect to anintermediate element (20, 120), the latter being hinged with respect tothe lid (4, 104) about a second axis (A₂), locking means (B₁, B₂, C)being capable of locking the lid (4, 104) with respect to theintermediate element (20, 120) when the latter pivots with respect tothe bottom (2, 102) about the axis (A₁), and of locking the bottom (2,102) with respect to the intermediate element (20, 120) when the latterpivots with respect to the lid (4, 104) about the axis (A₂).
 2. Caseaccording to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means (C) arecarried by said intermediate element (20, 120) and are capable ofengaging selectively with complementary first catching means (B₁)carried by the bottom (2, 102) and with second catching means (B₂)carried by the lid (4, 104).
 3. Case according to claim 1 or 2,characterized in that the intermediate element (20, 120) has twolongitudinal edges (21, 22; 121, 122), said first axis of articulation(A₁) being situated near a first edge (21) of the intermediate element(20, 120), said second axis (A₂) being located near a second edge (22,122) opposite the first (21, 121).
 4. Case according to claim 3,characterized in that said first axis (A₁) is parallel to said secondaxis (A₂).
 5. Case (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,characterized in that at least one of said axes (A₁, A₂) is formed by ahinge with an attached hinge pin (23, 24).
 6. Case according to claim 5,characterized in that the bottom (102) and the intermediate element(120) are connected by a film hinge (123), the lid (104) being connectedto the intermediate element (120) by a hinge with an attached hinge pin(124).
 7. Case according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized inthat the lid is made of urea formaldehyde, acrylobutadiene-styrene(ABS), polystyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylicglass, polystyrene, etc.
 8. Case according to any one of claims 1 to 7,characterized in that the locking means (C) comprise at least one piplocated on at least one lateral portion (20 a, 20 b) of the intermediateelement (20, 120), the pip(s) being shaped to engage selectively in acorresponding housing (B₁, B₂) made, one of them (B₁), in a portion ofthe bottom and, the other of them (B₂), in a portion of the lid.
 9. Caseaccording to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lockingof the bottom (2, 102) with respect to the intermediate element (20,120) is irreversible.
 10. Case according to any one of claims 1 to 9,characterized in that it defines a receptacle delimiting at least onecompartment (2 a, 102 a) capable of containing at least one product (P),particularly a friable product (P) such as a makeup product.
 11. Caseaccording to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that itcomprises means (2 b, 4 b) capable of allowing the lid (4, 104) to belocked reversibly in the closed position on the bottom (2, 102).